On the bus, I open Instagram and I see that my partner shared this with me. A perfect pairing between my feelings and the irony of watching it on Instagram.

This bus is the first where I really feel the presence of tourism. It feels like it’s setting the tone for what I might find on the island. Far from the calm vibe I’m looking for.Luckily, once on the island, relief takes over my body. Holbox is the best mix of walkable distances, biking everywhere, and the luxury of remote sandy strips where it’s just you and two other people.

The first night on the island seems perfect. On the way out, the moon shines light on my path, everything feels super romantic. But then, the moon decides to cast shadows and gift me a pitch-black way back. With the phone light and raccoons crossing the path.

I wake up in the morning and feel like my days here are just about wandering, enjoying the beaches and the slow life. I’m not really thinking about photography. Just enjoying my time in this bubble.

But as always, when you are not looking for something in particular, the photography gods bring something in front of your eyes. From the bike, I pass by a baseball field, and I see people cheering and enjoying the Sunday afternoon. I just park my bike and place myself in the middle of everything happening.

And in the end, when I’m saying goodbye, they invite me to keep myself hydrated, at least that’s how they call beer time. But I decline this time.

Last day here, a storm takes over the island, and sleeping in my windowless room feels like sleeping in the eye of a tornado. With a good peace of mind, I try to sleep as much as I can, thinking of the next two nights of sleeping on a bus that are waiting for me.

I’m sad to leave Holbox. I love the simple island life: no pressure and a village feeling that has been long gone from my life over the last years.

Till the next missive,

— M